Eggshell Waste Generation and Management Practices in Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria

Abbreviations

FAO: The Food and Agriculture Organization; MSW: Municipal Solid Waste; LAWMA: Lagos Waste Management Authority; GPS: Global Position System.

Introduction

Eggs are a staple food source globally, leading to a significant amount of eggshell waste generation. This waste stream poses environmental challenges if not managed effectively. Eggshell waste poses a significant environmental challenge in urban areas due to its high generation rate and inadequate management practices. A key concern of international scale is management and utilization of wastes chief of which is Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), for which agriculture generates significant portions in different types. Reducing environmental problems caused by such waste relies on the sufficient utilization of such waste leveraging improved technology. In the global scale, the management of agricultural wastes is essential and a crucial strategy as it becomes a critical factor for humans, animals and vegetation [1]. As the population increases, waste management and provision of sustainable energy for economic development become challenging. Waste generation in Nigeria is estimated at 0.65 – 0.95kg/capita/day which gives an average of 42 million tonnes of the total 62 million tonnes of wastes generated in sub-Saharan Africa annually and the issue of where and how to channel these wastes become a huge problem for the country [2]. The agricultural waste could be categorized in biological, solid, hazardous and used oil, and then regulated according to how it can be disposed of. The solid waste includes any kind of garbage made by agricultural establishment, sludge from water treatment plants and any waste materials created during agricultural activity. Eggshells are one of the widely generated by-products from food processing in industries and homes that has resulted to adverse environmental impacts in our surroundings [3]. As global population is surging up, similarly the production of eggshell wastes is estimated to increase that will demand high disposing costs for the large quantities of wastes released from food processing businesses and industries [4]. Most agricultural waste researches basically concentrate on its energy potential or as a renewable raw material due to its abundance, cheapness and renewability [5, 6]. Understanding waste generation rates and management practices is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate environmental impact. This study investigates eggshell waste generation and management practices in Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria.

Literature Review

Previous studies have highlighted the environmental impact of eggshell waste and the potential for its valorisation in biodiesel production. A number of research highlight that management of solid waste is typically one of the local government authority’s responsibilities to its residents [7]. However, management is always associated with the largest budget from the city’s annual finance, and this is most particular in developing countries. Improper collection and uncontrolled disposal are usually the leading contributor to local flooding and water pollution, particularly in developing countries [8]. In general, open burning and dumping of MSW are contributing to environmental pollution and human health problems and it is of great concern locally and globally [9, 7, 10]. MSW is a complex issue that has manifested in difficulty to manage in many regions of the world and the rapid rate of uncontrolled and unplanned urbanization in the developing nations of Africa makes MSW harder and more complex to manage in developing countries [11]. The available data from the previous studies have managed to estimate the solid waste generation per capita per day in Nigeria as between 0.58kg – 0.91kg [10, 12] and estimated annual solid waste generated in Nigeria to be more than 32 million tons [13]. Whilst Ike CC, et al. [2] in their study to examine the problems and prospects of solid waste management in Nigerian cities using the mixed method of data collection estimated MSW generation in Nigerian cities at the rate of 0.65-0.95 kg/capita/day and at an average of 42 million tonnes annually. Previous research highlights that organic waste represents 52 - 60% of the total MSW that is generated across the country every year, which indicate similarity with the estimate of organic waste in sub- Saharan Africa [2, 14, 15, 16, 17]. Nwosu AO, et al. [18], review of secondary data on waste management across various parts of Nigeria found that organic waste constitutes up to 50 per cent of the overall MSW in Nigerian cities. In their study they underlined the dysfunctional nature of MSW practices in Nigerian cities as the manifestation of a huge number of organic resources ends up being burnt or dumped as a way of disposing of it, thereby leading to various environmental problems. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates global egg production at over 80 million tonnes annually [19]. Assuming an average eggshell weight of 10% of total egg weight, this translates to a staggering 8 million tonnes of eggshell waste generated each year. Eggshell waste originates from households, restaurants, bakeries, and food processing industries. Studies by Wei Z, et al. [20] and Obi F, et al. [1] have demonstrated the significant volume of eggshell waste generated in various contexts, including households, restaurants, and food processing facilities. The seasonal variations in egg consumption and production cycles also influence eggshell waste generation rates, with implications for waste management planning. Socio-demographic factors such as gender, age, education, and income levels play a critical role in shaping waste management practices. Research by Longe EO, et al. [21] and Giwa AH, et al. [22] has highlighted the influence of these factors on waste segregation, disposal behaviours, and awareness of sustainable waste management practices.

Challenges in eggshell waste management include inadequate waste collection infrastructure, lack of awareness about waste valorisation opportunities, and limited market demand for recycled eggshell products. These challenges hinder efforts to minimize waste generation and promote circular economy principles (Author et al., Year). Despite challenges, researchers have explored innovative strategies for eggshell waste valorisation, including conversion into value-added products such as calcium carbonate, biochar, and adsorbent materials. Studies by Ajala EO, et al. [23] and Erchamo YS, et al. [24] have demonstrated the feasibility of using eggshell waste as a catalyst for biodiesel production, highlighting its potential for sustainable energy development. Policy interventions aimed at promoting waste segregation, recycling, and valorisation are essential for enhancing eggshell waste management practices. Public awareness campaigns, incentives for waste reduction, and investment in waste infrastructure are recommended to address the challenges associated with eggshell waste management [25]. However, limited research exists on eggshell waste generation rates and management practices in urban areas, particularly in Kaduna Metropolis.. Understanding socio-demographic characteristics and waste generation patterns is essential for effective waste management strategies.

Study Area and Methodology

Kaduna State is in the North West of Nigeria. It shares boundaries with Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and Nasarawa State to the South, Bauchi and Plateau States to the East, Niger State to the West and Zamfara, Katsina and Kano States to the North. Specifically, Kaduna metropolis is located between latitude 10°23‟ N and 10°43‟ N and columbite. 7°17‟ and 7°37‟E [26]. The area consists of four Local Government Areas, namely: Kaduna North and Kaduna South, and parts of Igabi and Chikun Local Governments with an area of about 12,347 km2 (Figure 1).

Kaduna metropolis forms part of the country’s traditional melting pot. There are literally people from all walks of life as the metropolis is cosmopolitan which is gradually attaining a megacity status. According to the 2006 census provisional figures put the population of the state at 6,113,503 [27]; but Kaduna State has a projected population of 9,224,053 as at 2022 [28]; for which Kaduna metropolis comprising of Chikun, Igabi, Kaduna North and Kaduna South Local Government is home to about 2,320,000 which equals 25% of the total population [29].

Kaduna metropolis experiences a typical continental climate with two distinct seasons, the dry and rainy seasons. These seasons reflect the influences of tropical continental and equatorial maritime air masses, which sweep over the entire country. However, the seasonality is pronounced with the cool to hot dry season being longer than the rainy season. The wet / rainy season is usually from May to October and varies as one moves northwards. On average, the metropolis enjoys a rainy season of about six months [26]. This climatic condition of Kaduna metropolis encourages poultry farming of especially chicken birds all year round, leading to higher production and resultant consumption of chicken eggs with increasing generation of eggshell. The populace of Kaduna metropolis engages in various trading, industrial and clerical activities especially with the springing up of food processing industries, manufacturing plants, large markets, shopping malls, neighborhood centres among others. The large presence of the now moribund textile companies had attributed to the high production of cotton in the area but other cash crops being cultivated include ginger and groundnut [30].

Click to enlarge

Source: GIS Lab Department of Geography ABU Zaria, Using ArcGIS 10.3 Software. Figure 1: Location of the Study Area, Kaduna Metropolis.

This study employed a survey-based approach to collect data on eggshell waste generation rate, waste management practice, and awareness levels among residents of Kaduna Metropolis. Socio-demographic characteristics of respondents were also analysed to understand their perceptions and practices regarding waste management. The data collection was carried out in stages: Stage 1: Purposive sampling technique was used to selected four Local Government Areas that make up Kaduna Metropolis based on spatial spread namely: Kaduna North and Kaduna South, and parts of Igabi and Chikun Local Governments. Stage 2: Purposive sampling was used to select wards under Igabi and Chikun Local Government Areas that fall within Kaduna metropolis. Then simple random sampling technique was used to select two political wards through balloting on each of the four Local Governments given rise to a total of eight (8) wards. Stage 3: Simple random sampling was used to select one locality each from the selected political wards through balloting. Stage 4: Based on sampling frame of food vendors within the egg consumption value chain (Tea Cafés, Restaurants, Snack Shops and Food Bukkas), they were selected through systematic sampling were each food vendor within the selected locality was numbered and each odd number food vendor was selected until 217 food vendors were obtained. Stage 5: Questionnaires were issued out to each of the 217 selected food vendors from which eggshell generation rate across all the twelve (12) months of 2022 was ascertained alongside cost of segregating eggshell waste. But as a way of supporting the information provided by the vendors through the questionnaire administered, a sample collection exercised was carried on all the selected food vendors. This was achieved by first locating the waste collection bin/spot into which their solid waste was deposited; it was emptied by the researcher and his field assistants twice a day (morning and evening), then the eggshell waste was segregated, weighed, and recorded accordingly; this was done for a week period while at the same time acquiring the coordinates of the locations using a global position system (GPS). The data generated helped to authenticate the data provided by the vendors through the questionnaires administered in terms of eggshell generation rate and management practices of eggshell waste. The questionnaire administered helped to generate data on eggshell waste management practice among the food vendors.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Effective waste management strategies are essential to mitigate the environmental impact of eggshell waste in Kaduna Metropolis. This research found out that majority of eggshell waste generated in Kaduna metropolis end up in open dumpsite which reflects a poor eggshell waste management practice; hence waste management practice in Kaduna metropolis is generally not satisfactory which is attributed to lack of consistency and poor awareness of its negative impact, inadequate waste collection and transportation. Increased awareness and exploitation of the energy potentials of eggshell waste is needed to encourage better eggshell waste management.